Comparing the effects of balance training with and without cognitive tasks on the quality of life and balance performance in community-dwelling older adults: a single-blind randomized clinical trial

Sinaei, Ehsan; Kamali, Fahimeh; Nematollahi, Ahmadreza; Etminan, Zahra

doi:10.30476/jrsr.2016.41106

Comparing the effects of balance training with and without cognitive tasks on the quality of life and balance performance in community-dwelling older adults: a single-blind randomized clinical trial

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

Ehsan Sinaei ¹

Fahimeh Kamali ²

Ahmadreza Nematollahi ³

Zahra Etminan ¹

¹ Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

² Rehabilitation Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

³ Department of Physiotherapy, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Social Security Organization, Shiraz, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.30476/jrsr.2016.41106

Abstract

Background: Aging process can deteriorate the ability to maintain balance, specifically under dual-task conditions. Thus far, different methods of exercises therapy have been applied to improve balance performance of older adults. The present study was designed to compare the effects of two protocols of balance training on the quality of life (QoL) and balance performance in older adults with mild balance impairments.Methods: Twenty-four older adults over 60 years old were allocated randomly into single-task (n=12) and dual-task (n=12) exercise groups. Single-task group received routine balance exercises, over a four-week period and dual-task group was treated by the same exercise program plus a cognitive task. QoL and balance status were assessed by the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Fullerton Advanced Balance scale (FAB) questionnaires, before and after the interventions. Results: After four weeks of training, balance performance and some factors of QoL improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in any of the variables between the two groups.Conclusion: Balance exercises, under both single- and dual-task conditions can improve the balance level and some aspects of QoL in older adults with mild balance impairments, with no priority of one group over another.

Keywords

Older Adults

Falling

Balance Training

Quality of life

Dual-Task

Mazzetti, S.A., et al., The influence of direct supervision of resistance training on strength performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2000. 32(6): p. 1175-1184.
Best-Martini, E. and K. Jones-DiGenova, Exercise for frail elders. 2014: Human kinetics.
Hu, M.H. and M.H. Woollacott, Multisensory training of standing balance in older adults: I. Postural stability and one-leg stance balance. J Gerontol, 1994. 49(2): p. M52-61.
Fraizer, E. and S. Mitra, Methodological and interpretive issues in posture-cognition dual-tasking in upright stance. Gait & posture, 2008. 27(2): p. 271-279.
Silsupadol, P., et al., Effects of single-task versus dual-task training on balance performance in older adults: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 2009. 90(3): p. 381-387.
Huang, H.-J. and V.S. Mercer, Dual-task methodology: applications in studies of cognitive and motor performance in adults and children. Pediatric Physical Therapy, 2001. 13(3): p. 133-140.
Alfieri, F.M., et al., Functional mobility and balance in community-dwelling elderly submitted to multisensory versus strength exercises. Clin Interv Aging, 2010. 5: p. 181-185.
Cadore, E.L., et al., Effects of different exercise interventions on risk of falls, gait ability, and balance in physically frail older adults: a systematic review. Rejuvenation research, 2013. 16(2): p. 105-114.
Talwar, J., et al., Effect of Agility Training Under Single-Task Condition Versus Training Under Dual-Task Condition With Different Task Priorities to Improve Balance in the Elderly. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 2015. 31(2): p. 98-104.
Eyigor, S., et al., A randomized controlled trial of Turkish folklore dance on the physical performance, balance, depression and quality of life in older women. Archives of gerontology and geriatrics, 2009. 48(1): p. 84-88.
Wayne, P.M., et al., Effect of Tai Chi on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults: Systematic Review and MetaâAnalysis. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2014. 62(1): p. 25-39.
Chen, Y.-M., et al., Predictors of functional recovery (FR) for elderly hospitalized patients in a geriatric evaluation and management unit (GEMU) in Taiwan. Archives of gerontology and geriatrics, 2010. 50: p. S1-S5.
Yesavage, J.A., et al., Development and validation of a geriatric depression screening scale: a preliminary report. Journal of psychiatric research, 1983. 17(1): p. 37-49.
Rose, D.J., N. Lucchese, and L.D. Wiersma, Development of a multidimensional balance scale for use with functionally independent older adults. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 2006. 87(11): p. 1478-1485.
Lyons, R.A., I.M. Perry, and B.N. LITTLEPAGE, Evidence for the validity of the Short-form 36 Questionnaire (SF-36) in an elderly population. Age and ageing, 1994. 23(3): p. 182-184.
Rose, D.J., Fallproof!: a comprehensive balance and mobility training program. 2010: Human Kinetics.
Silsupadol, P., et al., Training of balance under single-and dual-task conditions in older adults with balance impairment. Physical therapy, 2006. 86(2): p. 269-281.
Wolf, B., et al., Effect of a physical therapeutic intervention for balance problems in the elderly: a single-blind, randomized, controlled multicentre trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 2001. 15(6): p. 624-636.
Targino, V.R., et al., Effects of a dual-task training on dynamic and static balance control of pre-frail elderly: a pilot study. Fisioterapia em Movimento, 2012. 25(2): p. 351-360.
Langley, F.A. and S.F. Mackintosh, Functional balance assessment of older community dwelling adults: a systematic review of the literature. Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, 2007. 5(4): p. 13.
Hernandez, D. and D.J. Rose, Predicting which older adults will or will not fall using the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 2008. 89(12): p. 2309-2315.
Buckley, J.P., Exercise physiology in special populations: advances in sport and exercise science. 2008: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Golding, L. and A. Lindsay, Y's Way Revised: Testing Strength and Muscular Endurance. Perspective, 1989. 15(5): p. 30-34.
Bakos, D.S., et al., Executive functions in the young elderly and oldest old: A preliminary comparison emphasizing decision making. Psychology & Neuroscience, 2008. 1(2): p. 183.
Schmidt, R.A. and T. Lee, Motor control and learning. 1988: Human kinetics.
Cotman, C.W. and N.C. Berchtold, Exercise: a behavioral intervention to enhance brain health and plasticity. Trends in neurosciences, 2002. 25(6): p. 295-301.
Colcombe, S.J., et al., Aerobic exercise training increases brain volume in aging humans. The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 2006. 61(11): p. 1166-1170.
Konak, H., S. Kibar, and E. Ergin, The effect of single-task and dual-task balance exercise programs on balance performance in adults with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled preliminary trial. Osteoporosis International, 2016: p. 1-8.
Brach, J.S., et al., The association between physical function and lifestyle activity and exercise in the health, aging and body composition study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2004. 52(4): p. 502-509.
Halaweh, H., et al., Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Community Dwelling Elderly. Journal of clinical medicine research, 2015. 7(11): p. 845.